Black River County Park

Black River County Park is a 560-acre property along the eastern shore of the Black River between Long Valley and Chester in New Jersey. The grounds feature multiple picnic areas, walking trails, and visitor facilities scattered throughout the landscape.

The area was mined for iron ore during the 1800s, when the Hacklebarney Branch of the High Bridge Railroad was built in 1883 to transport materials from the mining operations. This industrial period left lasting marks on the landscape that shaped what visitors see today.

The Elizabeth D. Kay Environmental Center at this location offers nature programs and educational activities for visitors interested in learning about the river ecosystem. The park serves as a place where people gather to develop a closer connection with the natural world around them.

The park is open from sunrise to sunset each day and offers paths suitable for different walking abilities. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain can become slippery when wet.

Abandoned railway trestles from the Central Railroad of New Jersey have been repurposed as part of the hiking trails along the river. These old structures offer walkers a tangible connection to the area's industrial past.